Construction wins National Skills Academy

The government has sanctioned the launch of a National Skills Academy for construction.

Alan Johnson, the education and skills secretary, this week announced the launch of academies for construction, manufacturing and financial services. The three receive their final approval a year after the scheme was first unveiled.

Johnson added that bids for academies from four other sectors, including the nuclear industry, had received initial approval.

The construction academy, will be delivered by the government agency Learning and Skills Council and the training organisation

CITB-ConstructionSkills. It will consist of training centres on sites across the country, rather than in a single location.

The academy will be part funded by employers. About 50% of the money will come from the industry, 35% from the government and the remainder from other sources, such as the EU.

In return, employers will be able to influence the curriculum and organisation of the academy.